Gotcha! Mankind is instinctively drawn to rumors, sensationalism and gossip, even if they have no basis, such is his/her inclinations. If you are one of those humans, and you are reading this just because of the headline, or you heard hearsay/“dem seh,” there is necessity for introspection, and possible rehabilitation.
But stop spreading fabrications like these. No credible evidence shows that Lionel Messi “sold” or deliberately underperformed in the World Cup final. Messi certainly had a poor and unusually quiet final. That part is fair criticism. But poor performances are not evidence of corruption, just as every missed chance is not a criminal conspiracy, or every charge instituted a valid exercise of judicial reason. An alarming number of crimes continue to emanate from prosecutorial indiscretions and overreach, hence malicious and selective.
Spain tactically outplayed Argentina, causing them to fail to attempt a viable shot during the first 90 minutes and did not register a shot on target in the entire 120 minutes. Enzo Fernández was also sent off before Ferran Torres scored Spain’s winning goal in the 106th minute, and allowed his frustrations to get the better of him.
Whereas Messi can reasonably be criticized for not influencing the biggest game, because he was neutralized by brilliant Spanish tactics. Messi played no part in Spain’s goal, and no substantiated evidence of bribery, match-fixing, or deliberate sabotage can be credibly essayed. Argentina, and superstar Messi were beaten by Spain’s superior possession, pressing, defensive organization, and bench strength.
Indeed, why would Messi intentionally undermine Argentina’s campaign when he had scored eight goals and supplied four assists during the tournament before the final, and worse yet, put his legacy at risk? At 39 years old, Messi needs understanding, not forgiveness or conveniently false accusations.
The great man underperformed in the final, and Argentina relied too heavily on him, but saying he “sold the World Cup” is an unsupported accusation rather than a fact, the type of “news and theories” lesser minds will gravitate to.
Hon. Albert Baldeo is a Community Leader, civil rights activist and community advocate, and his groundbreaking political efforts placed previously ignored minority communities in Woodhaven, Richmond Hill and Ozone Park, NY, USA firmly on the political and economic map. As the President of the Baldeo Foundation and Queens Justice Center, he has continued to fight for equal rights, dignity and inclusion in Government and decision-making. He can be contacted at the Baldeo Foundation: (718) 529-2300.
